In never-before-published photos and archival materials, journey
through Roanoke's past and discover the vibrant history of downtown.
Downtown Roanoke celebrates the vibrant history of a community that lies
at the heart of the scenic Roanoke Valley. From the saloons and livery
stables of the late 19th century to the flagship department stores that
attracted hundreds of shoppers in the late 1950s, Roanoke has
experienced dramatic change. Over 200 archival images have been compiled
to produce a stunning collage of the downtown area over the past
century. Included are the American Theater, the Rialto, the Jefferson,
and the time-altered streetscapes of Jefferson, Campbell, Kirk, and
Church. This collection highlights the storied past of Roanoke through
hotels, hospitals, churches, merchants, and special events, including
the American Legion parades, the Diamond Jubilee, and the march of the
VMI and VPI cadets at Thanksgiving en route to Victory Stadium. Downtown
Roanoke is a tribute to the heritage of Southwestern Virginia's leading
urban center. Today it remains a metropolitan district alive with
culture and commerce, having re-emerged from the challenges of shopping
malls and suburbia. The photographs in this collection, many published
for the first time, provide a nostalgic look at the progress of
Roanoke's historic downtown corridor.